Flora blinked, looking at the teasing expression on his face. She pursed her lips slightly and, hooking her arm through his, stepped briskly into the shop.
When they left the decoration shop, Chen Mian’s storage space was filled with various ornaments, and Flora’s purse was nearly empty.
Flora walked a bit slower than before; an entire afternoon of shopping seemed to have worn her out. By now, the sky had darkened considerably. The magic lamps along the street emitted a warm yellow glow, and the air seemed to have grown colder.
Lights shone from the houses on both sides of the street, and smoke drifted from the chimneys. Unlike the Royal Capital, the streets of Linyu Port had few pedestrians at night. The vendors had packed up early, leaving the street quiet.
“Chen Mian,” she suddenly said.
“Mhm?”
“You said you’d consider it after we finished shopping... Well, we’re finished. Can you tell me now?” Flora seemed to remember something, her lively eyes fixed on him with expectation.
“Sure.” Chen Mian led her into a small alley.
He looked down at her, his voice dropping slightly and carrying a hint of a smile. “I was wondering how best to kiss you once we reached a place with fewer people.”
Flora’s eyes widened, and a blush spread across her ears at a visible speed. Before she could react, Chen Mian leaned down and kissed her.
Flora’s breath hitched, her eyelashes fluttering. Her fingers gripped his clothes tightly. But she didn't retreat. Instead, she stood on her tiptoes and leaned into him.
Chen Mian’s hand, which had been resting on her waist, tightened slightly as he pulled her into his embrace. Even through the fabric of her clothes, he could feel the warmth of her body.
Flora gradually began to relax. In the next moment, something soft tentatively entered her mouth.
Flora’s body stiffened slightly. She could feel the sensation against her teeth—a gentle brush against the inside of her lips before it paused, as if waiting for her response.
Flora’s mind went blank. Her heartbeat sounded exceptionally clear in the quiet alley.
“...Mnh.” A soft sound escaped her throat. Her fingers loosened their grip on his clothes and came to rest gently against his chest.
Flora didn't know what to do. Nothing in the elven books or her mother’s lessons on life and magic had prepared her for this moment.
Her lips moved slightly, responding clumsily and tentatively. Then Flora realized that Chen Mian seemed just like her; both of them were exploring with a shared awkwardness.
As they became entwined, Flora felt her consciousness start to drift. The surrounding sounds blurred until only their warmth and breathing remained.
Her hands moved from his chest to wrap around his neck. Her toes were starting to ache from standing on them, but she didn't want to let go.
Sensing this, Chen Mian gently lifted her up, letting her stand on his boots while his other hand remained pressed against the small of her back.
Flora lowered her heels, her body leaning softly against him. Her voice was muffled. “Mnh... I... like you.”
She remained in Chen Mian’s arms, her breathing ragged and carrying a slight, irrepressible tremble until the soft sensation finally withdrew. Their lips remained pressed together lightly, unwilling to part.
A moment later, she released his neck and slowly opened her eyes. Her eyelashes were damp, her face was flushed, and even the corners of her eyes were tinged with a faint pink.
“...Your hand.” Flora looked down at her chest, her voice airy.
Hearing this, Chen Mian gave a light squeeze. He paused slightly as he felt the soft sensation in his hand.
“Mnh... No grabbing.”
He looked down at his hand, which was cupping a soft contour through her clothes. The air went still for a heartbeat.
“...If I said it was instinct, would you believe me?”
Flora’s gaze darted around, moving from his eyes to the bridge of his nose, then to his lips, before finally settling on her fingers gripping his collar. “I... I believe you.”
Chen Mian leaned in again and kissed her lips. Flora’s body trembled slightly, a muffled hum escaping her throat. “Mnh...”
She felt his hand gently caressing her through the fabric. It was as if all the strength had been drained from her body; she went limp and could only lean more heavily against him.
Chen Mian’s kiss slowly moved from her lips to the side of her ear. His voice was slightly raspy. “Flora.”
“Mnh...” Flora’s voice was light and carried a slight nasal quality.
“Is it okay?”
Flora’s breathing faltered for a second. She knew exactly what Chen Mian was asking. His hand was still there, and even through the fabric, the sensation was undeniable... But this was the person she loved. She didn't feel offended at all.
“...It’s okay.” Her voice was even softer than before.
Chen Mian lowered his head, his lips pressing against the corner of hers again. His movements became even lighter, following a slow, almost tender rhythm.
Flora’s breathing grew increasingly erratic. The strange sensation made her whole body tremble. “...Mnh...”
After a long while, Chen Mian pulled back slightly and held Flora gently. He could feel the girl in his arms shivering. “Flora.”
“...Mnh.” Her voice was soft, and there were faint tears in her eyes.
“...Did I scare you?” His voice was much gentler now. His hand slowly left her chest and gently wiped away her tears before returning to her waist. “It’s my fault for being too impatient.”
Flora slowly shook her head, tightening her hold on him.
“...I wasn't scared.” Her voice was tiny, carrying the raspiness of someone just coming back to their senses. “...It’s just... I’m not used to it.”
She spoke as she slowly looked up. The moisture hadn't fully left her eyes, but they now held a serious yet shy light. “...I’ve never done this before.”
Looking at her reddened eyes and her earnest explanation, Chen Mian reached out and gently brushed away the tear tracks.
Flora squinted slightly at his touch, as if finding the gesture comforting. She leaned her face into his palm. “...You’ll have to teach me slowly.”
“Alright.”
After a moment, Flora lifted her head from his palm. She looked at his face for a while, then reached out a finger and poked him. “...Chen Mian, you’re naughty!”
Chen Mian smiled and gently ruffled her hair. “Flora, you’re lovely!”
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